In December 2022, we received a call regarding a man being released from incarceration. This man was to be placed in a program with a proven track record of enabling a successful transition to our Florida communities. Without notice, the prison released him 5 days early, so he could not be transported to the program. He was sent to a family member, 150 miles away.
Helping Our Returning Neighbors staff called his family member and learned he really wanted to be in the program. He knew he did not need to be in his familiar surroundings. In transporting this man to the facility we witnessed his mother tell her son that she was proud of him. This 49-year-old man had been in trouble since he was 13 and had caused a lot of sorrow. But now he was making a positive choice to put the past behind him.
Days later, we received a call from that man telling us how happy & thankful he now is. He found himself passing out food to others and felt it was the best day of his life. Tears of joy flowed. He admitted that God had been pursuing him and now he was ready to listen and obey.
For those who support us financially – THANK YOU! You are impacting the lives of the formerly incarcerated and giving them hope for their future.
